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orts though is that this is not a problem that can be met with a quick fix. Rather, a new perspective and an aggressive approach to obtaining and retaining teachers are needed.

One style of attracting teachers that was of particular interest was that of independent schools. In a study conducted in 2000 Smithers, and Robinson, looked into why independent schools had less trouble finding top quality teachers. They concluded that a major factor was the schools are able to create conditions to attract the staff they are looking for. They do their best to satisfy the teachers' working life and provide the right factors (class size, salary, time for preparation and marking) to make teaching enjoyable. I believe that this idea of creating the ideal conditions that teachers are looking for inside and outside of the classroom is a great start to attracting and retaining teachers.

Purpose of study

As the data on northern Ontario has demonstrated the education system and the economy is facing some major challenges that will be difficult to overcome. Northern Ontario needs to make some positive changes to prosper in the future. Though currently changes are being made to improve their economy and the education if they are unable to find teachers it is clear positive change will be a difficult task. Without being able to offer a suitable education for the individuals living there northern Ontario will be trapped in their current circumstances.

Though there are numerous studies on how to retain teachers there are few new ideas and there are little results. The purpose of this study is to bring a fresh perspective that takes into consideration the current teaching situation in southern Ontario. The small scale of this study will prevent this from informing change but this study will hopefully draw out some useful themes to attracting qualified teachers. This study is of value as the circumstances right now are unique and as I will argue can be capitalized on.?

Research

To help guide this study, two online questionnaires were developed. Survey one (appendix A) consisted of 17 questions relating to an individual's background, teaching status and willingness to teach in northern Ontario. A total of 36 individuals completed the questionnaire. The survey was taken electronically by newly qualified teachers in the teaching field or trying to enter into the field. The first questionnaire was completed almost exclusively by individuals who live and were raised in southern Ontario. It was thought that the perspective of individuals living in northern Ontario was missing from the study so a second questionnaire was released focusing on the perspective of individuals living in northern Ontario (Appendix B). The sixteen individuals who participated in the survey currently reside northern Ontario. Questionnaire 'two' consisted of six questions focusing on if they are likely to teach in northern Ontario and how long they would consider staying. The participants of both studies remain anonymous. Of those individuals that began the survey, 100% completed it.

Ethical considerations and reliability of data

It was of utmost importance that the data collected in this study were both reliable and ethical. Multiple steps were taken to ensure both these factors were considered during the entire process of t